NYC Reefers - Difficulty keeping a reef tank in your apartment?

[ScottsTot]

Has anyone had difficulty keeping an aquarium in a NYC apartment? I have 3 freshwater tanks and am planning to start a reef tank after my lease ends and move to a new apartment. I haven't had trouble keeping tanks in my current apartment since I am on the ground floor, but I'd like to move up higher due to the lack of privacy.

I would likely give up 2 of my freshwater systems, which means I would have a 22 gallon freshwater tank and a 40 gallon + 20 gallon sump saltwater tank.

I'm concerned about the weight since damage to the property and the tank will certainly be costly. I'm also concerned that I will be limited in what apartments I can move into due to restrictions from the landlord about keeping fish. I want to start gathering equipment piece by piece right now but won't do so if I will be told that the only thing I can keep is a 5 or 10 gallon bowl or fish is off-limits entirely.

 

[EmdeReef]

Has anyone had difficulty keeping an aquarium in a NYC apartment? I have 3 freshwater tanks and am planning to start a reef tank after my lease ends and move to a new apartment. I haven't had trouble keeping tanks in my current apartment since I am on the ground floor, but I'd like to move up higher due to the lack of privacy.

I would likely give up 2 of my freshwater systems, which means I would have a 22 gallon freshwater tank and a 40 gallon + 20 gallon sump saltwater tank.

I'm concerned about the weight since damage to the property and the tank will certainly be costly. I'm also concerned that I will be limited in what apartments I can move into due to restrictions from the landlord about keeping fish. I want to start gathering equipment piece by piece right now but won't do so if I will be told that the only thing I can keep is a 5 or 10 gallon bowl or fish is off-limits entirely.

What size tank are you thinking? I’ve nevwr seen any restrictions in leases but weight could be an issue in walk ups or older buildings. Although likely after you exceed 75 gallons.

If you move to a newer construction bldg or any bldg with concrete floors there would be no problem to have any size tank.

A renters policy would cover liability (damage to others) and damage to your personal property in case of a leak, unless specifically excluded. If your landlord is opposed but not dead set against perhaps that would soften their view. Unless specifically mentioned in a lease you don’t need to mention fishtanks.

 

[HolisticBear]

Some apartments have strict policies, so it's worth asking. As another NYC resident in a upper floor 90 year old building, I was also concerned about weight (overly so). Don't have link handy, but there is a page that mentions up to 55 gallon aquarium can usually go anywhere without consideration. From 55-125 is often ok, but you may need to consider placement. Besides just supporting the weight, with crappy subfloors there is consideration of how well it supports the weight.

There are lots of reefs in the city apartments, but I imagine most are on the smaller side (Reefer 250 and down).

 

[ScottsTot]

What size tank are you thinking? I’ve nevwr seen any restrictions in leases but weight could be an issue in walk ups or older buildings. Although likely after you exceed 75 gallons.

If you move to a newer construction bldg or any bldg with concrete floors there would be no problem to have any size tank.

A renters policy would cover liability (damage to others) and damage to your personal property in case of a leak, unless specifically excluded. If your landlord is opposed but not dead set against perhaps that would soften their view. Unless specifically mentioned in a lease you don’t need to mention fishtanks.

I haven't decided on a size yet. I'm still researching what size is best for making the hobby "easier" while not requiring a significant amount of weekly time. I'm learning towards a 40 gallon breeder display with a 20 gallon long sump. This is likely the biggest I will go.

Alternatives are a Nuvo 40, 40 gallon breeder without a sump, Nuvo 30, Nuvo 20, and other setups of a similar size (<40 gallons).

 

[HolisticBear]

I haven't decided on a size yet. I'm still researching what size is best for making the hobby "easier" while not requiring a significant amount of weekly time. I'm learning towards a 40 gallon breeder display with a 20 gallon long sump. This is likely the biggest I will go.

Alternatives are a Nuvo 40, 40 gallon breeder without a sump, Nuvo 30, Nuvo 20, and other setups of a similar size (<40 gallons).

Consider the Waterbox models too. Their Nano has external overflows (more in-tank space than Red Sea Nano), and their AIO are interesting. There is a thread on R2R about a NYC Waterbox AIO shallow lagoon that looks great.

 

[ReefQueen]

I think your original plan of the 40 with the 20 as the sump would be a good size apartment tank. I wouldn't worry too much about the weight in that size tank, but putting it against a load bearing wall would be better then in the middle of the room for piece of mind. I don't know anyone with a tank smack dab in the middle of a room though lol. Definitly check the landlords policies though because my first apartment wouldn't even let me keep a half gallon Betta bowl, not that that stopped me lol.

 

[Breadman03]

40 breeder, 4 foot 120 and a 6 foot 180 have perfect dimensions, IMO. I’d do the 40 if I was in your shoes.